Picture this: your inbox pings, and there’s a message from your “bank” warning you about “suspicious activity.” Or maybe you get a weirdly urgent text from your “boss” needing gift cards. Sometimes it’s a “shipping issue” with an order you never made.
If you’ve ever paused and thought, Is this for real?—you’re not alone. Phishing attacks are absolutely everywhere, and nobody is immune. I’ll break down the latest tactics, the real risks, and what actually works to protect yourself (beyond just “don’t click suspicious links,” because come on—we’re all human).
Why Phishing Is the Biggest Everyday Cyber Threat
The numbers are wild. Since the pandemic, phishing attacks have exploded. Over 95% come via email, but SMS, phone calls, and even Google search results are fair game now. And don’t assume it’s just businesses being targeted.
Ordinary people like you and me are losing access to social media, credit card info, and even identities to these scams.
It gets even crazier around shopping seasons—think Black Friday, Christmas, or big “global” sales days. Hackers ramp up their tricks, preying on anyone hunting for a deal or responding in a rush.
Bottom line: If you’re online, you are a target. The best defense isn’t just reacting to threats, but making yourself a much harder target in the first place.
The Basics: What Is Phishing, Anyway?
At its core, phishing is about tricking you into giving up private info—logins, credit card numbers, social security numbers, you name it. The classic version is an email that looks legit (“Your PayPal account is locked!”), urging you to “confirm your details” via a link. But it’s gotten way more creative than that:
- Smishing: Phishing via SMS text. “Your package is undeliverable! Click here.”
- Vishing: Fraudsters actually call you pretending to be tech support, your bank, or even the IRS.
- SEO Phishing: Fake websites get pushed high in Google results so you land there without realizing.
- Whaling: High-stakes spear phishing—targeting company execs or celebs for maximum payout.
And it’s not just about the method. The scams are more believable than ever, often with accurate info about you thanks to data leaks and “data brokers” (more on that in a sec).
How to Spot a Phishing Attempt (Yes, Even the Subtle Ones)
Hackers have gotten slick, but there are still red flags if you know where to look:
- Urgency or panic: “Act now or your account will be closed!” They want you to skip thinking and just react.
- Offers that are too good (or too scary) to be true: Suspicious refunds, fake prizes, or “unpaid taxes.”
- Weird sender addresses: Look for off-brand email addresses or phone numbers.
- Bad grammar/spelling: While scammers are getting better, mistakes still slip through.
- Strange links or shortened URLs: Always hover before clicking, and double-check domains.
- Attachments: Especially .exe, .zip, or Office files—prime malware delivery vehicles.
But here’s the sneaky part: The more data a scammer has on you, the harder they are to spot. That’s why being proactiveis the real game-changer.
Frequently Asked Questions About Phishing & Data Broker Removal
1. Don’t Overshare (But Assume Your Data’s Out There)
Let’s be honest—your email, phone number, and other personal details are probably already floating around dozens (maybe hundreds) of databases. Data brokers collect, buy, and sell this info, making it easy for scammers to craft scary-accurate phishing attempts.
Action Step:
- Be stingy with personal info online, but realize removing yourself from broker lists is now essential.
2. Use a Service Like Incogni to Get Off Data Broker Lists
Even if you’ve got strong passwords and antivirus, if a scammer buys your info (address, email, even employer) from a broker, you’re vulnerable. This is why I always recommend Incogni.
What does Incogni do?
- Contacts data brokers for you to remove your personal info (email, phone, address, even more).
- Monitors which brokers still have your data, what’s been removed, and keeps working in the background, since brokers will often re-add you.
- Offers a Family & Friends plan to protect up to 4 people (great for parents or kids who are easy targets).
- You can add multiple emails, numbers, and addresses to cover old records too.
- They even list which brokers are most likely to have your info, so you can see who is risking your data.
Pro tip: Removing your data with Incogni means fewer phishing attempts even make it to your inbox—because scammers can’t easily buy your details.
3. Use a Password Manager and Strong Passwords
Phishing isn’t just about getting your info—they want your access. Unique, complex passwords for every site means even if you do slip up, only one account is exposed.
- Password managers (like Bitwarden, 1Password, or LastPass) can generate and autofill complex passwords so you never use the same one twice.
4. Always Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)
Even if a hacker gets your password, 2FA is that last line of defense. Use app-based codes or hardware keys—not SMS, which can be intercepted or SIM-swapped.
5. Update Software and Use Antivirus
Obvious? Sure. But it really matters. Many phishing attempts try to deliver malware/ransomware that only works on outdated software.
The Big Picture: Why Data Removal Is Now the Most Important Step
Most guides will tell you to be “vigilant,” but here’s the real secret: The less your info is out there, the fewer phishing attempts you’ll ever see. It’s not just about being careful—it’s about becoming invisible to scammers’ databases.
With Incogni, you can see the whole removal process live on your dashboard, get regular updates, and know your info isn’t being constantly recycled on broker lists. Plus, it’s set-and-forget—they keep chasing brokers on your behalf, because these guys always try to collect again later.
And for families: Older relatives and kids are prime targets. With Incogni’s multi-user plans, you can cover your whole household.
Real-World Examples: How Phishing Hits Home
- Holiday scam spike: Got a “delivery failed” text or email around Black Friday? That’s classic smishing, designed for when everyone’s expecting packages.
- Bank alert phishing: “Unusual activity detected, click to secure your account.” The site looks just like your bank. It isn’t.
- Work-from-home payroll fraud: Scammers email HR from a spoofed exec address, changing bank details for payroll.
All of these rely on having your real details—info that comes from leaks, brokers, or companies you never even remember signing up for.
What to Do If You’ve Been Phished
- Change passwords ASAP. Anywhere you reused that password, too.
- Enable/verify 2FA everywhere.
- Report the phishing attempt to your bank, email provider, and local authorities.
- Run a malware/antivirus scan on your device.
- Consider using a service like Incogni to limit future exposure.
Exclusive: How Incogni Makes a Difference (and Why It’s Worth It)
- Regularly monitors and updates requests for you—data brokers are relentless.
- Special deals: Get 55% off for a full year here.
- Protect multiple family members (including their emails, numbers, and addresses).
- Visual dashboard shows your progress—transparency is key.
Final Thoughts: Phishing Isn’t Going Away—But You Can Take Control
Phishing attacks aren’t going anywhere, but that doesn’t mean you have to be an easy target. Combine smart habits with data removal tools like Incogni for the ultimate peace of mind. It’s the one step most people skip—and it’s honestly the most effective.
Ready to make yourself a much harder target for scammers?
